The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1887-07-23
Select Storp.
MR.. MEGILP'S PICTURE.
From London Truth.

Mr.. Michael Angelo Megilp was young
artist of some performance and of consider
able promise. But, like many other men
in that position, he was often heavily
handicapped by the want of ready money,
for though his pictures were tolerably well
spoken of by the critics and lauded to the
skies by his friends, the picture dealers
gave him only very moderate price fol
them.
Still, in spite of this drawback, Me-
Clip, being of a cheerful, happy -go-lucky
disposition, kept up his courage, worked
early and late in this studio, and believed
firmly that some day a favorable turn in
his affairs would come. He had married
early a young lady possessed Of more
beauty than fortune; in fact, Mrs Megilp's
marriage portion of e600 only just paid
for the furnishing of the house and studio
at Kensington, where the young couple
began housekeeping.
But with the best intentions, the young
wife was not very skilfull manager, so
gradually the Megilps glided into debt. and
in due course the tradespeople became
restive and refused further supplies until
their little bills were paid. When Michael
Angelo and his wife came to add up their
liabilities, they found that they amounted
to nearly e200, sum total which seemed
terrific to poor little Mrs. Megilp.
"Where on earth can we get f2OO
Angy?" she cried, clasping her hands
tragically. "All your pictures, even il
you could sell them, wouldn't fetch hall
that"
"Theres the furniture, you know
Madge," hazarded Megilp. at was bought
with your money. What do you say
"0h, don't-don't sell it; 1 couldn't beal
to part with all my pretty things" she in.
terrupted, with loving glance round her
drawing room, which was quite picture
of modest elegance.
"I shouldn't think of asking you to make
such a sacrifice, my dear" replied Michae
Angelo soothingly; "but we could rais'
9200 on it easily"
"You're quite-qoite sure the furniture
would be safe ?"
"Perfectly sure; and l think | know the
man who will do the business bill of sale
you know-not half bad way of raising
money"
Accordingly Megilp went next morning
down to Wardour Street, and in dirty
little bric-a-brac shop he unearthed the
worthy Israelite who was to oblige him
with the loan,
"You want 920O on bill of sale OF
your furniture ?" said Mr.. Zerubbabel
when the artist had explained his errand
81 must come down to your house and Sc,
what you have got before can give yor
an answer"
aSurely you can take my word that ther'
is more than ample security for the amour
want Besides presents, we ourselves
spent over 9600 only two years ago" re
piled Michael Angelo angrily.
Mr.. Zelubbabel laid his fat forefnge
along his great, hooked nose and winked
adding;
81 dare say. Still, I'd rather have |
look at it before we do business. IF yor
give me your address, Ill call on you to
morrow"
Michael Angelo swallowed his vexatior
as best he could, gave his address, an'
left the brie-a-brac shop.
Mr.. Zernbbabel duly paid his visit Of
inspection, and in the course Of few day
the negotiation was fat accon.ph. The
Megilps paid their bills, the tradespeopl'
smiled once more on Mrs. Megllp, and matter
went on quite smoothly for several months.
The interest on the EGO was punctualiy
paid, and early In the year Michael Angelo
finished the picture ne in'enueu 70 seiiu II
to Burlington House.
Every one who entered the studio pro
phesied great things OF this picture, anc
every one agreed that "Chloe Counting hel
Chickens was, SO far, Megilps che,
d'oeuvre. The artist himself founded al
his hopes of fame on this charming work
II won't take penny less than 95Ot
for it" he said to his wife after the visi
of a distinguished art critic to his studio
"Carper says it will take the town b,
storm-and so it will"
sI wish you could sell it soon" sighe'
Mrs. Megilp. ~ often feel uncomfortable
about that dreadful bill of sale-it's lik
whats-his-name's sword hanging over ou
heads"
aOh, the furniture is safe enough" re